Tigers hosting top talent

Greg LaRose

01/17/2003

The commitments continue to roll in for LSU, and more could be in the works once the Tigers host another bevy of talented prospects this weekend.<br><br>Tiger Rag takes a look at who's due in Baton Rouge this weekend and where LSU stands in the pecking order for these recruits.

Daryl Johnson- The hard-hitting safety will head straight for Tennessee once he's done with his LSU visit this weekend. Johnson has his grades in order and is also considering Miami. The Tigers have a chance with him, especially if high school coach Frank Wilson joins the LSU staff as some reports indicate. Wilson has been an instructor at LSU summer camps over the last few years, and the Tiger coaching staff thinks very highly of him.

Craig Davis - Like Johnson, Davis is also checking out the Hurricanes. But he has recently told Tiger Rag that Auburn is now a contender for his services. It will be interesting to see whether the commitment of Amp Hill forces Davis' hand. Either he will want to join the ranks of the Tigers' top notch receiving corps, or he will look to play at a school where he would face less competition.

Dominic Cooper- This outside linebacker is a hidden jewel who isn't getting as much attention as his O. Perry Walker teammates, but seems to have a load of potential. He is also considering West Virginia and Indiana, where a couple of Crescent City prospects (Jesuit OL Corey Hilliard, East Jefferson DB Fernandez McDowell) have already pledged to head coach Gerry DiNardo.

Ryan Watson- The Curtis DL is playing his hand very close to the vest. New LSU assistant Travis Jones visited Watson earlier this week and has another chance to make a lasting impression this weekend. Watson had a good visit at Colorado, and Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops was in River ridge last week purportedly with the goal of getting a visit from Watson.

Carnell Stewart - Watson's teammate actually made his stop in Baton Rouge earlier in the week and is also a very hard read when it comes to determining his intentions. He gave a favorable review to Florida and went with Watson to check out Colorado, where his cousin Kordell Stewart played. Michigan and Miami are also in the mix.

Anthony Holmes - Holmes' name is on the rise although he still has to get his academics in order. As the Class 2A offensive MVP on offense, he ran Oakdale's Wing-T offense to the tune of 1,104 yards and 19 touchdowns rushing and 1,085 yards and 11 touchdowns passing. He reminds many of Corey Webster and is very likely to join him as a defensive back in college. Ole Miss is also interested.

Ali Highsmith - LSU does have big vacancies to fill at linebacker, but hometown Miami will be hard to beat. His cousin, Alonzo Highsmith, is a well-recognized name. Ohio State also received one of Highsmith's visits, but Bucknuts.com feels as though the Buckeyes have an outside shot at best.

Emmanuel Harrell - Has a strong interest in LSU but isn't projected to qualify. Following Amp Hill's commitment and with several other top-caliber receivers still eyeing the Tigers, Harrell is not considered a priority player for the Tigers.

Tim Washington - He's a lean defensive end who is starting to draw more attention after getting his academics in order. He's been to Texas and Oklahoma and says he's still open as he arrives at LSU this weekend. Ohio State will get his last visit on Jan. 31.

Demarcus Scott - LSU appears to be the team to beat. Scott has not ruled out the possibility of a commitment this weekend and has hinted toward cancelling visits to Mississippi State and Tennessee. Scott has been to LSU a few times for camps and unofficial visits and could be lured into the fold this weekend.